A lending library... for art?

First, forgive me if this post brings back an idea that’s been floating around art talk for years. I didn’t see any evidence of that, but… one never knows, do one?

Anyway, I’ve been thinking about “friction” in the art-buying process, meaning: What causes people to hesitate when deciding to buy a work of art? What might even STOP them buying anything at all?

One thought is the scare word “commitment”, as in: “I better damn well like this thing 'cause I’m about to plunk down my money NOW, and I don’t know what I’m going to do with the piece if it bores me LATER.”

So, that thought led to another: What if we were to remove the feeling of having no options, as in: Oh, that painting doesn’t work for you anymore? No biggie. Just send it back and choose something else.

Well, isn’t that the way your local library works? You borrow a book, love it at first, but then – somewhere around Chapter 4 – you think: Uh, no. This story does not warm my butter. Then you bring it back and check out another book.

Now, I certainly don’t have all the angles worked out on such a program, but let me get you thinking: Let’s say DPW had a lending library, consisting entirely of 9x12 artworks; i.e., 2D pieces that would fit in a standard 9x12 frame, as well as fitting in a rigid cardboard mailing envelope for transport.

And let’s say that DPW had a fee of X dollars per year for the right to check out 4 pictures (or whatever number).

Well, that might be of interest to some art lovers out there! And what if someone loves a piece so much that he or she didn’t want to return it? The answer is: KACHING! The artist just made a sale.

Anyway, I’d be interested to read your thoughts. This idea may be the smartest or dumbest thing you’ve heard all week. Or maybe both!

Cheers from Houston,

Steve Kobb

I’ve worked with 2 galleries that offered a rental program. Clients could keep the art for 3 to 6 months paying the price broken down over the months contracted for and had the option at any time to return the art and payments end. Or at the end of the contract the piece is paid in full and the client keeps the art. But free? No.